James "Jim" P. Armstrong

CHAPIN—James P. Armstrong, 86, of Chapin, known by both friends and business associates as Jim, died Sunday, November 22, 2015 after several years of declining health. Jim was born August 31, 1929 in Fountain Inn, SC to the late Flora Alexander Armstrong and Ray Sampson Armstrong. Jim was preceded in death by his brother, Luther Armstrong and by his step-daughter, Cheryl Freeman. Jim is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Jeanette Hyler Armstrong; children, daughter, Annette Towne (Guy) of Raleigh, NC, son, Alan Armstrong of Alexandria, VA and Bonnie Austin of Columbia, SC; sister, Helen (Lynn) Bales (Jimmy) of Eastover, SC;five granddaughters and four great-grandchildren. Jim graduated Valedictorian from Fountain Inn High School in 1946 and came to Columbia at the age of 16 to attend and graduate from Columbia Commercial College in 1948.After working for several years as a salesman in the food equipment business, in 1957 Jim founded two companies, General Sales Company, Inc. and Associate Management, Inc., food service equipment and remained CEO of both companies until his retirement in 1998.Jim was active in a number of business related organizations. Jim was a long time member of Chapin Presbyterian Church. On Wednesday, November 25, 2015 family greetings will be held from 1-2 p.m.,followed by services at 2:00 p.m. conducted by Reverend Phillip Vaughn at Temples Halloran Funeral Home Chapel, 5400 Bush River Road, Columbia, SC 29212, followed by a graveside burial at Bush River Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, it was Jim’s desire for all contributions to go to his favorite charity, Federation Center of the Blind, 119 S. Kilbourne Road, Columbia, SC 29205 or Chapin Presbyterian Church, 600 Old Lexington Hwy., Chapin, SC 29036.